Head of EA thinks all platforms and countries should share a universal rating system

Electronic Arts head John Riccitiello believes video games need a single rating system that spans across all platforms and countries. He spoke in front of a group of politicians in Washington last night, claiming, “We must adopt a self-regulated, global rating system across every format games are played on.”

The ESRB board boss provided an interesting argument in front of attendees that included both the FCC Commissioner and chairman.

“We live in an incredible age. In the past three years the audience for games has grown from roughly 200 million, to over one billion. Virtually everyone on the planet who owns a phone, can play a game. The Supreme Court has given us the same First Amendment rights as authors, musicians and film makers — a set of rights which we cherish.”

“But as we are so often told: with great freedom, comes great responsibility. To live up to that responsibility, we need to do a better job informing the consumer, no matter the channel, the platform or the geography. We must adopt a self-regulated, global rating system across every format games are played on.”

Riccitiello’s quotes ended his acceptance speech for the Media Institute’s annual American Horizon Award, given to him by FCC chairman Julius Genachowski. The prominent figure was acknowledged due to his “visionary leadership in promoting the vitality and independence of his industry.”